Non-retaining Concrete Walls

calypso

I have a concrete wall to build for a friend around his patio for privacy. It will be around seven feet high from the ground level. I have been trying to find some information on walls that won't be retaining any dirt. It seems like the vertical wall could be six inches instead of 12 inches thick and the footing could be less wide. Does anybody have any ideas on this?
Thanks
John

concretemasonry

Check you local municpality. In California they usually have standard designs that are approved.

A 6' wall would be very common in most areas. Going higher could change the wall somewhat.

An 8" block wall may actually be less than a 6" block wall in many areas. The width of the footing will probably be the same because of stability and lateral (seismic/wind) loads.

__________________
Dick

Engineer, designer and consultant recently active domestically and internationally on construction and design in about 35 countries.

thom

Here we use block wall fences all the time. 6" block with filled 12" pilasters every 12', max 6' high. Above 6' (to 8') we do a reinforced 8" wall. Anything above 6' requires engineering and a seal.

concretemasonry

thom -

You local construction sounds like typical southern California construction also. I did not know what the standard was for northern California.

Many people prefer to go with 8" reinforced without pilasters instead of 6" since it gives a smooth uniform wall. - All depends on what is required for the local conditions and what the owner wants for appearance.

__________________
Dick

Engineer, designer and consultant recently active domestically and internationally on construction and design in about 35 countries.

calypso

Thanks....I will check with the local codes etc. That is good information on block walls too. I think the owner wants to go with solid concrete though.
John

Driftwood

Here a 7 ft. high wall requires a variance. I've been known to bootleg a few ,like My own 7ft. redwood fence. Remember we're in Equake country.
I'd go with a 8"x16"reinforced footing an a Cal stone 8"x16"split faced
bond beam re-inforced wall.

tkle

For a 6' wall 6" block with a 12"x12" footing is acceptable in many areas,even here in the heart of earthquake country.I like to do them with 8's and at least a 20" footing with 1 course buried.Placed concrete would be the same.Check with your local jurisdiction.Many require a 2' or larger footing.Being near the coast the fluctuation of the water table may also affect the footing design.Many areas also require decorative block.

calypso

I did some looking on the internet and there are some cool block wall designs and other concrete panel methods that are pretty interesting. I have alot of carve concrete forms that I have made over the years that I will be using though. I am still checking with the local codes. From what you guys are saying I hope to go a few feet down with a 2' wide footing that is 12" thick. The fence will be six feet high, 6" thick and reinforced with #4 rebar. I will let you know how it goes.
John

tkle

18" down gives room for planting and you won't see the footing..All code calls for is 12" below natural grade.For the cost of a little bit of concrete,I'd go 8" wide.In coastal areas we were sometimes required to add postholes to the footing.

calypso

Thanks Tkle, that sounds even better. What are the post holes for?
John

tkle

They were used in an area where the ground water fluctuated with the tide.Not sure how they helped but they were required.